My story began in 2018, when I was still in the closet and the heaviest I had ever been.
320 pounds of depression, internalized homophobia, and constant inner turmoil.
Then I came out.
I started therapy.
And at 27 years old, I stepped into a gym for the first time.
Not because I hated how I looked, but because I hated hiding from myself—emotionally and physically. I wanted to look in the mirror without feeling ashamed of the person looking back.
The guy in those pictures didn’t have everything figured out. But he found the courage to venture into the unknown, ask questions, and discover what could help him build a better life.
That guy is strong.
Because strength isn’t a physique. It’s taking a step forward when you feel completely out of your element.
That guy in the picture is strong.
And so are you.
That’s why 320 Strong exists.
MY STORY
I'm where I am today because of this guy
Richard Chaz Gomez, NASM CPT
Meet Coach Rich
320 Pillars -
The Program
UNDERSTANDING
I've been there. I know what it's like to start from what feels like ground zero. Starting your fitness journey in a bigger body isn't just physically different—it's emotionally different too. That's why understanding comes first. Working with someone who understands your experience doesn't just change your workouts. It changes how safe you feel showing up, making mistakes, and continuing even when it's hard.
I know where you've been.
EMPATHY
I'm going to meet you where you are today, even if your experience isn't exactly like mine. It’s not just about physical roadblocks, but emotional ones too. I still cry in the car before the gym sometimes because life feels heavy. Fitness isn't linear and neither are our emotions—we bring our stress, grief, and insecurities with us.
I’m not an app, and neither are you. We’re both people. I show up for you as a person first, and a coach second.
i'll meet you where you are.
Together, we'll build a life stronger than where you started. I didn't achieve my progress on my own and neither will you. Eight years and 125 pounds later, I’m proof that steady and sustainable change is possible. We’ll celebrate the wins, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward—together.